go down in flames

English

Etymology

Referencing aeroplanes being shot down. Attested since the early 20th century.

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Verb

go down in flames (third-person singular simple present goes down in flames, present participle going down in flames, simple past went down in flames, past participle gone down in flames)

1. (idiomatic) To fail miserably and with long-term consequences.

Related terms

• go up in flames